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I've had a 612 for about 1.5 years now and we're happy with it. It's been a solid performer for us. I don't use OTA on it though.

I'm staying with my current setup (722k, 612, 211k) over the Hopper/Joey solely for the dual OTA tuner on the 722k. I'll keep this setup for as long as I can. I'd need two Hoppers and one Joey and I just don't want to do that right now.

The problem seems to be isolated to weak channels losing the signal for the OTA module on the hopper. If you are not watching them when they drop there is no problem. Certainly if I wanted a Hoppa this would not be a reason to not get it. Given sometime they will fix it.

As to the 612 - I have three and love them. If you take my suggestion you will rarely have a problem, in fact they may be more stable than a 722 now. You need to keep it cool. Put a fan that takes the warm air away from it or blows cooler air into it.

I've had two for a couple years now and with the exception of one hard drive failure they have worked well. I too don't use the OTA tuner.

To mike1977, have you considered asking for a replacement instead of complaining?

I agree with Klang except I do use OTA and it works well as long as you have enough signal from your antenna. I also agree with Klang on the comment to Mike1977 it isn't DISH'S fault if you don't replace a problem receiver.

My old 508 was due for mandatory retirement soon so I opted to get a 612 to take its place in the back room and complement the 622 in the big room. I really like the OTA capabilities of both but worry that maybe the H/J combo would have been a better choice from both a feature and cost standpoint. Did I screw up too badly? After only one week the 612 has performed flawlessly. The phone helpers at DISH were clueless about a USB connected OTA dongle, and I wasn't in the mood to argue. Viewed through a very short lens I think I did the right thing. Gotta have that OTA out here in the country where no sub channels exist w/out it.